Sport timing apparatus



Aug. 20, 1940.

R. STEENECK El' AL SPORT TIMING APPARATUS Filed April 25, 1936 r{"Sheets-Sheel; l

\l I Amm@ All@ 20, 1940. R. sTEENEcK E-r A1. 2,211,368

. sPoRTl TIMING APPARATUS Filed April 25, 1936 v'7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

INVENTORS R. STEENECK R. F. DIRKES R.B.WHITE 6 ATT RNE? Aug. 20, 1940. R. sTEENEcK ET AL SPORT TIMINQ APPARATUS Filed April 25, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. Z0, 1946. R. sTEENEcK ET Al.

SPORT TIMING APPARATUS Filed April 25, 1936' IIIIIIIIIIIJImuullluilllllll szmllaluluuuuu"WWE c @ha ii l if I FIG. 7

7 Sheets-Sheet 4 u 1 muur m ATT RNEY Aug. 20, 1940. R. STEEN'ECK ET AL 2,211,868

SPORT TIMING APPARATUS Filed April 25, 193e v sheets-sheet s RNEY INVENTORS R.STEENECK R. F.DIRKES R. B.WHITE c? Aug. 20, 1940.

R. sTEENEcK ET AL SPORT TIMING APPARATUS Filed April 25, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 oUND 2 I5 faunfu ZIO-P- FIG.

INVENTORS R. STEEN ECK Allg- 20, 1940- R. STEENECK ET A1. 2,211,868

SPORT TIMING APPARATUS Filed April 25, 193e '7 sheets-sheet 7 INVENTORS R. STEENECK BY R. F. DIRKES \R.B.WH ITE wz A oRNE'Y Patented Aug. 20, 1940 UNITED SETA APffreni* orrlcr sronr 'riisnNG ArrAEArns tion of New York Application April 25,. 1936,.`Serial No. 76,468 n claims. (ci. ier-,17)

This invention relates to timingapparatus primarily adapted to time a contest or an athletic event, such as a boxing match, in which thereA is an intervening rest period.

An important object of the invention is to provide timing apparatus including a large in'- dicator or clock visible to an audience surrounding an arena, thereby enabling them to observe the timing of an athletic event or contest.

Prior to the inventionto be -disclosed herein, satisfactory apparatus has not been available. for timing an athletic contest such as a boxing matchy in which there is an intervening rest period between rounds or periods of engagement. Both the rest periods and rounds must be accurately timed and the beginning and end of each period must be denitely made known by bells or. other signals to the contestants and certain of the ofcials. l l

An object of the present invention is to accomplish this timing and/or signalling accurately, thus enabling officials to Watch the-progress of the match Without having the attention of any distracted by the necessity for observing a stop Watch.

Also, in a boxing match during the time a lotted to a round When one contestant is down, the time in seconds that he is down must-be measured.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means to indicate audibly and/or visually the lapse of each second of this time andy the audible means in accordance with one phase of the invention announces by Words the lapse of each second. I

At the end of ten seconds', and provided that the ten seconds lapse during the time period ofV a round, the boxer remaining on his feet Wins the match. In accordance with this invention at the end of the ten second period thetimingapparatus is stopped and a distinctive signal is given. knocked down near the end of a round, it: has` been diiiicult to determine accurately whether or not the time period allotted to the .round-has expired before the lapse of the ten second period. The present invention Yprovides means for A.de-

termining accurately and indicating to thespectators, onicials and contestants Whether or not the end of the round occurs before the expira-` tion of the ten second period. This featureofthe invention is believed to be entirely novel and its provision is an important object thereof. Another object is to provide means to control 55; timing apparatus for a boxing contest fromsome Heretoiore, When a boxer has beenV remote central point or points, such control em` body-ing means lforv starting and stopping the apparatuszif necessary, and also for setting. the clock'to .a .new position in preparation for the next contest. Another object is 'to providetiming apparatus embodying a large, clearly visible indicator or indicato-rs which make a complete timing movement in three minutes and-a rest period timing movement in one minute. provide means for giving a visible and/or audible signal` ten seconds before the end ofthe rest period.

A further object is to automatically increase .the timing indicator speed atthe end of each 15'? round and to automatically operate a signal indicative of the termination of each round and rest period. f

Astill: further object is to provide means for operatingseveral indicators in unison from a 20 single timing mechanism.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide means for giving an audible knockdown count in a boxing contest.

' Still another object of the present invention 25 is vto provide means for indicating the progress oifa boxing contest by indicating the round number.

Other and more speciiic objects of the invention dened bythe terms of the appended claims 30 will" be apparent from the vfollovving description taken'v in lconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

' Fig. 1 is a vieW in front elevation of indicatingl apparatus embodying the present invention; 35

j Fig. 2 is atop plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view in plan sectioned on line 3`3 of Fig. 1;

Fig.' 4 vis a side elevation partly in section taken 40 on line 4 4 of Fig. 3; f'Fig. 5 is a plan viewvin section taken on line.

, Fig. 6 is a vievv in `elevation of the timing mechanis'm ofy Fig. 5; 45

,Fig 7 is a top planV view partly in section of the `mechanism shown in Fig. 6;

Figs. 8 and 9 are sectional views taken on lines 81-3 and 9943, respectively, of Fig. 7, illustrating 50 11 is a fragmentary view in elevationy of 55.

A related object ls to 10' a modication including a visible annunciator and illuminated indicators;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic disclosure of the circuits for controlling the information displayed by the annunciator and indicators and includes a portion of the disclosure of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 13 illustrates diagrammatically a further modification.

In the preferred form illustrated by Fig. 1 of the drawings the housing I0 of the timing indicator or clock is designed to present an indicating face II bearing indicia or graduations I2 when viewed from any position in an arena. In the embodiment shown the indicator presents four such faces so that the body thereof is rectangular in cross section. However, it will be understood that the housing I8 of the indicator may be hexagonal in cross section or have any convenient number of sides or indicating faces I I, or it may be circular in cross section with the indicia or graduations I2 completely encircling it. If the body of the indicator is cylindrical, as just stated, the movable indicating means to be described may be in the form of a vertically movable ring or sleeve. The housing I 8 is preferably provided with suitable hanging means I0' as shown so that it may be suspended above an arena or ring.

The four indicating faces II of the clock are identical and the four longer lines of the graduations I2 thereon represent minutes and are numbered from 0 to 3 by bold numerals as shown. The minute spaces are further subdivided to show halfI minutes and ten second intervals. 'Ihe minute graduations and their associated numerals are preferably painted a .distinctive color.

Four movable indicators I4, one for each face II, are arranged to cooperate with the indicia I2 and move up or down in unison. In the illustrative embodiment, each indicator I4 is a iiexible strip of suitable material wound on a spring tensioned roller I5, and guided by a roller I6 situated adjacent the lower end of each face II. A flexible cord or cable Il attached to each indicator I4 is guided by and passes over upper pulleys I9 and lower pulleys 20. The cables I1 are joined at their ends by a member 2I t0 a single cable 22 which is operatively attached to the motor driven timing mechanism 23, the latter being mounted in a compartment 24 at the top of the housing I0. A stationary guide Wire 25 passing through an elongated aperture I8 in the member 2I serves to keep the latter from twisting. The driving mechanism raises the indicators from the 0 line to the line marked 3 in three minutes, which corresponds to the standard length of a round in boxing matches, and lowers the indicators back to the O line in one minute, the latter period of time representing the standard rest period.

The walls of the compartment 24 provide a convenient place for the prominent mounting of a series of lights 28 which are numbered by prominently displayed numerals. If. desired, the tenth light may be marked KO as shown to indicate a knockout. These lights, which indicate the elapsed time following a knock-down, are lighted in succession at one second intervals by means under control of the mechanism 23. The operating means for these lights and the manner in which the controls are to be manipulated will be fully described in connection with the discussion of the operation of the entire apparatus.

The operating mechanism 23, shown clearly by Figs. 6i and 7, is mounted on a base 30 and employs a constant speed motor 21, which may be either a synchronous motor driven from a. frequency regulated alternating current supply or a governed motor held at a substantially constant speed by governing or speed control means known to the art. The motor 2l drives a shaft 28 clockwise as viewed from the right of Fig. '7 through a speed reducing mechanism 29, and in the particular embodiment shown, the ratio of the drive is chosen so that the speed of the shaft will be six revolutions per minute. A bearing 3I rotatably supports the shaft at its end remote from the mechanism 29. If desired, a cover 30 (Fig. 5) may be provided for protecting the mechanism 23.

A notched circular detent member 32 having ten equally spaced notches 43 and a contact operating cam 33 of insulating material are frictionally driven from the shaft 28 for controlling the knock-.down count lights 26. The cam and detent member are rotatably journalled on the shaft 28 between two axially spaced collars 34, 35 which aresecured to the shaft. One radial face of the member 32 frictionally engages the abutting face of the collar 34 and the hub of this member is provided with spline teeth 38 which engage in notches 3T in the hub of. the member 33 to compel the members to rotate together. A friction disc or washer 38 of suitable material is interposed between the face of the cam member 33 and the adjacent face of the collar 35. A coiled spring 39 encircling the hubs of the members 32 and 33 forces these members apart so that they tend to be frictionally driven from the shaft 28 through the Afriction washer 38.

The detent member may be arrested and held in any one of ten angular positions by means of a latch 40 (Fig. 8) formed adjacent the end of the pivoted armature 4I of the magnet 42. The latch is biased toward the periphery of the detent member by a spring 44 when the magnet 42 is deenergized so that it will engage any one of the notches 43. The cam member 33 has 10 notches 44 formed on its periphery t0 close and open a set of spring pressed contacts 45 through a follower 48. Each of the notches 44 has a radial side or edge 44 which causes the follower 48 to abruptly close the contacts 45. As shaft 28 turns six times in one minute, contacts 45 are abruptly closed at one second intervals when the magnet 42 is energized. The mechanism is arranged as shown in Fig. 7 so that the contacts 45 are closed when a notch 43 passes the end of the armature 4I or to express this in another Way, rotation of the detent and cam members 32 and 33 is arrested only when the contacts 45 are closed. The contacts 45 control the stepping switch 49 (Fig. 10)y which is similar to a minor switch employed in automatic telephone practice. The switch 49 and the circuits illustrated on Fig. 10 of the drawings for energizing the magnet 42 and for lighting the lights 26 in sequence by the switch 49 under Control of the mechanically timed contacts 45 will be described in full detail hereinafter.

Axially spaced contact operating cams 5I and 52, preferably of insulating material, and a spacing collar 53 are secured together and to the collar 35 by screws 54, so as to rotate with the shaft 28. The hub 56 of the collar 53 is provided with spline teeth 51 which engage notches 58 formed in the hub of a friction clutch member 59 to drive the latter at the speed of the shaft 28 while permitting it to move axially. A coiled spring 62 urges the clutch member 59 into frictional driving engagement with the radial face of a pinion carrying disc 63. This disc is journalled on the shaft 28 so asto be rotatable independently thereof and forms part of the planetary gear system to be .described presently.

The cam 52 is provided with a steep sided notch 64 which cooperates withv a pair 'of contacts 68, as shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings, to permit these contacts to close once during each revolution of the shaft`28.- Likewise, the cam 5| has a notch 6l' which permits the contacts 68 to close at the same time as contacts 66 close. The contacts 83 are interposed in the circuit controlling the signals which give notice of, the beginning and end of a round and the warning signal which precedes the beginning of a round,` and the contacts 36 are interposed in the circuit controlling the lowering of the time indicator i4 during the restperiod as will be described hereinafter.

The cable 24, previously mentioned as being operatively attached to the mechanism 23, is wound upon and unwound from a drum 'I0 as the latter is rotated counter-clockwise at 2 R. P. M. or clockwise at 6 R.. P. M. (as viewed from the right of Fig. '7), by a planetary gear system which includes the above mentioned member 63 as an element. The free end of the cable is secured to the body of the drum by suitable means 69. It

will be understood that the circumference of the drum is so chosen with respect to the distance between the zero and the three minute mark of the graduations l2 that as the -drum rotates six times at the rate of 2 R. P. M., the indicator |4 moves upwardly over the graduations l2 to measure a three minute interval, andjasfthe drum rotates in the opposite direction at the rate of 6 R. P. M., the indicator moves downwardly over the graduations to measure the one minute rest period. The directions of rotation of the drum at either speed may be opposite to that described and the indicator 4 may move downwardly to measure the three minute interval if desired.

Planet pinions Hare carried on stub shafts '|2 rotatably journalled in the pinion carrying disc 03. These pinions 1| are all in mesh with a gear '|3 secured for rotation with the shaft 28 and are also in mesh with internal gear teeth 14 formed in the interior of a flange 16 of the drum 10. The drum i9 is loosely journalled on the shaft 28 and it will be seen that when the disc 63 is locked against rotation, gear 'I3 will rotate pinions 1| which in turn will drive the drum 10 by means of internal gear teeth 14 in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the shaft 28;l The gear 'i3 has 24 teeth, and the. internal gear has 72 teeth; therefore, the speed of drum 10 willbe 2 R. P. M. when driving power is imparted to it from the gear 'I3 through the pinions 1|.

A latch 19, formed by bending the upper end of pivoted armature member 8|, is adapted to engage a ynotch 82 (shown diagrammatically by Fig. l0) in the pinion carrying disc 63 to hold the latter stationary to cause slow speed rotation of the drum l0 as explained above. An electromagnet 83' is adapted upon energization thereof to retract the armature member 8| and thus release the pinion carrier for rotation whereupon it is frictionally driven by the clutch member 59. To insure that magnet 83 will be energized only when the indicators i4 are at the major graduations such as minute and half minute marks, a Contact operating stud 8B (Fig. '7) is providedon the periphery` of the flange 16, the said stud engaging and closing a pair of normally open contacts 81 at each revolution of the drum 10. The contacts 81 are suitably supported.y by andi insulated from the base 39u Thevelectrical :circuits interconnecting the contacts 66, 81v and the magnet 83 to accomplish the return of the indicators |4 from any `ofthehalf-minute indicators will be fully disclosed hereinafter. Y

Details of the supportfor the magnet 83 and itsv associated armature will now be described. `A plate` 88 (Fig. 6) secured to the base 30 by fastening means 89 has a pair of vertically disposedv strips 9|- secured thereto in a suitable manner as byiscr'ews 92. Thelframe Vof the magnet 83 is carried byan-angle member 93 which may be conveniently secured in position on the strips 9| by the screws 92. Theinner end of each strip 9| is aperturedto receive the pintle 94 which pivotally supports'the armature member 8|. The said armature member has two horizontally extending ears 96 and 91which carry adjustable contact operating studs 98` and 99 respectively. These studs cooperate with pairs of normally open spring contacts |01. vand |02 to close the same when the latch 19 is .retracted from the notch 82 in the disc 63 upon energization of the magnet 83. The contacts 0| Vare supported on a block of insulating material |93 secured to strip 9|v and likewise contacts |92 are supported on a similar block |03 secured to the opposite stripk 9|. The purpose of the contacts just described and the circuits including' these contacts will be described hereinafter. Y

To provide for proper sequential operation of the beginning and-end of round signal, the preliminary warning signal and also the indicator reversing'means, a series ,|04 (Fig. '7) of mechanically driven contact operating cams is mounted on a shaft rotatably supported by bearing members |05. This shaft carries a worm pinion |96 which 'is driven from the drum 10 by a worm |07 secured to or integral with the said drum.' The gear reduction afforded by the worm and pinion is l to 9 so that the shaft |05 turns through two-thirds of a revolution during the time in which the drum 10 revolvessix times in either direction. It will be seen, therefore, that the shaft |05- does not execute a .complete turn but oscillates through two-thirds of a revolution.

A cam |09 for selecting a circuit to control operation of the preliminary warning signal has a contact operating portion which cooperates with a pair of normally open contacts I2. These contacts are carried by a block of insulating material I4 mounted on the base 30. The operating portion is so positioned that when the indicator ld is approximately halfway between 0 and 1, the contacts |2 are closed. It will be apparent from the description of the operation which is to follow that the cam |09 maintains the contacts ||2 closed Yat the time when contacts 68 are about to close. Contacts 68 determine the precise instant of closure of the control circuit including contacts ||2 and 68. v

Thecircuit which'controls operation of the beginning and end of round signal is selected by a cam H6 which has a contact operating portion i|`| adapted to close a pair of normally open contacts H8. These contacts, like contacts l| I2, are carried by the block of insulating material |4 previouslymentioned. The cam |6 is secured upon the shaft ,|05 .so thatonly each end of the contact operating portion l.|'| is effective to close the contacts ||8:.when indicators |4 are near the 0 and 3 divisions. This affords control of the circuit which operates the warning signal at the beginning and lend of the round. As explained above in connection with contacts |12-, the con- Iii EHSV

tacts 88 determine the precise instant of closure of the control circuit. v

A cam |2| having a contact operating portion |22 cooperates with a pair of normally open con-v tacts |23 and this cam is so located angularly on the shaft |05 that the associated contacts are closed only when the indicators |4 are adjacent the graduations marked 3. These contacts are in a circuit which controls reversal of the` indicators |4 after they have completed their three minute cycle of operation. The control circuit which includes the contacts |23 is closed at the precise instant that the indicators reach the graduation marked 3 by the contacts 66.

To ensure that the armature 8| which releases the gear carrying disc 63 for rotation remains in Its retracted position during the entire time when the indicators I4 are returning to the zero mark, a cam |24 provided with a contact operating portion |26 cooperates with a pair of normally closed contacts |21 in such a waythat the contacts |21 are permitted to remain closed while the indicators |4 are returning from the graduation marked 3 to a point near the zero graduation. As the indicators approach the zero graduation, the cam |24 opens the contacts |21 which allows the armature 8| to be released whereupon the latch 19 will engage the notch 82 to arrest rotation of the disc E3 at the proper point.

The operation of the complete timing apparatus and the circuits and relays for controlling the cyclic operation of the indicators |4 and the several signals mentioned heretofore will now be described in full detail with reference to Fig. 10 of the drawings. Power for operating the relays and control magnets may be derived from any suitable source furnishing either alternating or direct current depending upon the construction and design of the relays and control magnets. In the illustrative embodiment, a source of direct current |28 is shown symbolically. The source |28 may be a generator, batteries or a rectifier and filter' fed from any alternating current outlet. 'Ihe last named arrangement is preferred. For convenience of illustration one terminal of either polarity of the' source '|28 is shown as being grounded and in the description which follows circuits are traced by referring to a ground connection. However, it will be understood that this ground may be a common insulated conductor. The remaining terminal of the source |28 is connected to the several circuits of the control apparatus through resistances |29. In order to explain the quick return feature of the indicators |4 in preparation for timing a new boxing contest, it will first be assumed that a previous contest has been ended before the completion of a round so that the indicators |4 are at some point between the O and 3 graduations, for example, just slightly beyond the two minute mark. The motor 21, as mentioned previously,` is supplied from a suitable source of alternating current which may be connected to the motor by means of a switch |30 when it is desired to start the timing apparatus. Upon closing the switch |30 motor 21 begins to rotate at a constant speed imparting rotation to the shaft 28, and the indicators |4 move upwardly at slow speed by reason of engagement of armature 8| with the notch 82. Under conditions assumed it will be desirable to reverse movement of the indicators |4 without the necessity for allowing them to complete their upward travel and to this end means are provided for reversing the indicators at will. This is done under control of a manually operated key 3| which is provided with two front contacts |32 and |33 respectively. A pair of normally closed contacts |34 are also provided Which are maintained in a closed position when the key is released. Upon depressing the key |3|, ground is applied to the contact |32 and by way of a conductor |36 to previously men tioned normally open contacts 81. A conductor |31 which is connected to the contacts 81 is also connected to the contacts 66 and the current path for the magnet 83 continues from contacts 66 through the coils of magnet 83, the coil of a` relay |38 and to the `direct current source |28 over a conductor |42. The purpose of the relay |39 which has just been mentioned will be discussed hereinafter in connection with the description of the circuits for controlling the lamps 21. `The magnet operating circuit just traced will be established upon closure of contacts 81 when these contacts are closed by the cam button 86 on the drum 16.v As previously stated, this closure of contacts 81 occurs only when the indicators |4 are at minute or half minute graduations |2. When the armature 8| is attracted, the contacts |02 are closed which maintains excitation of the magnet 83 over a circuit including the contacts |02 and the normally closed cam operated contacts |21.

As the indicators I 4 on their return movement approach the graduation midway between 0 and 1 it is desirable to stop further travel of the indicators |4 if the oncoming bout or contest is not to be performed immediately, thereby preventing premature operation of the preliminary signal. This may be conveniently done by a key or switch |43 which upon closure applies current to the operating coil of a relay |44, the latter having contacts |46 which open the circuit of the motor 21.

When a contest is about to start, the key |43 is opened, which permits contacts |46 to close, thus energizing the motor 21. Indicators |4 now resume their` downward travel and at the instant they reach the mark halfway between 0 and l, the warning signal is sounded to indicate that the contest is to be started within ten seconds. The preliminary warning signal, which may be a horn or any other' suitable device, is connected in circuit with the contacts |41 of a relay |48. Relay |48 is energized at the proper time by a circuit which includes contacts ||2, |0| and 68 andV is traced as follows: Groundis applied by way of lcontacts |49 of a relay |5| which is deenergized at this time, conductor |52, contacts |34, conductor |53, contacts 68, contacts 2, contacts |0I operated by the armature 8|, operating coil of relay |48 to the current source |29. Closure of the contacts 68 provides a means for completing the circuit just traced at the instant when the indicators I4 arrive at the graduation halfway between the 0 and l. As the bell signal, which is operated at the beginning and end of each round, is also controlled by contact G8, it is necessary to prevent operation of the bell signal at this time.` This is accomplished by interruption of the bell circuit by the contacts ||8 which are maintained open at this time.

When the indicators 4 reach the 0 position the latch 19 comes into engagement with notch 82 of the pinion carrying disc 63, as explained above, whereupon direction of rotation of the drum is reversed and it rotates at a speed of 2 R. P. M. to move the indicators I4 over the scale I2 during `a three minute period.

The signal `which indicates the beginning and end of a contester round is preferably a single stroke bell which is connected to the contacts |54 of a relay |56. The relay |56 is energized to ring the bell when .ground is applied "from contacts |49 of relay,|5|, conductors |52 and |53, contacts 68, contacts ||8 and the operating co-il of relay |56 which is in communication with so-urce |28. The contacts 68 complete their circuit only when the indicators I4 have reached the 0 and 3 graduations, respectively.

The knockdown indicato-rs 26, which may be in the form of a series of lights as previously explained, are controlledrfrom a manuallyoperable key |51 which is provided with two additional movable contacts or levers |58 and |59, the

purpose of which will be later described. The

front contact |6| of this key is connected by con- Iductorv|62 to the'magnet 42. The remaining terminal o-f this magnet is connected to the direct current source |29. -When key `|51 is closed, it will be seen that the magnet 42 will be energized to retract the latch 4| so as to permit the contact operating cam 33 to be friotionally driven from the shaft 28. The back contact |63 of the key |51 is connected to the operating coil of a relay |66 so that during the time the key |51 is in its normal position, ground is applied to the said relay coil |66- over a circuit which includes' contacts |49 of relay |5| and the front contact |49 of relay 39. When the key |51 is depressed to energize the magnet 42, the operating coil circuit of relay |66 established through the key |51 is broken; however, the operating coil of` relay |68 is kept energized through back contact |65 until contacts45 open. This feature prevents stepping of the :minor switch until the contacts 45 close one second later. t When the contacts 45 open, the back contact |68 of the relay |66 is closed which completes the circuit including contacts 45and the operating coil of the previously mentioned minor switch 49. As the contacts close once each second, a ratchet |1| is stepped in a clockwise direction by the operating pawl The minor switch 49 comprises two insulated contact arms |13 and 14. The arm |13 carries a contact brush |16 which is in contact with a segment |11 and a series of ten contacts |18. Thesegment |11 is connected to a suitable source of current indicated at |80 `and the contacts'l18 are eachk connected to one of the series of lamps 26. It will, therefore, be seen that upon each pulse received by coil |69 under control of the contacts 45, the switcharm |13 will be moved one step, causing the lights 26 to be illuminated in succession. f

If at any time it is desired to stop operation of this minor switch 49, as for example when a boxer stands up, it is only'necessary to vrelease key switch |51. This interrupts the circuit through the latch coil 42 and restores the `circuit through `the back contact |63 which reenergizes the operating coil |64 of the relay |66.

The minor switch 49 is reset to its 0 or starting point by means'of serially connected reset magnets |19 and |83 which upon energization, retract a latching pawl 18| and driving pawl |12 from the teeth of the ratchet |1|. Ground is applied to the reset magnets |19 and |83 from the back contact |63 of the switch |51. A pair of contacts 585 are included in circuit with the release magnet S19 to open thesaid circuit when the minor switch reaches its 0 position. This is accomplished mechanically by an arm |86 which opens the contacts |85.

If a boxer remains down during theA full ten seconds, all ofthe lamps numbered 1 to 9 are illuminated in succession and the tenth lamp is' also illuminated when the ten seconds have elapsed. When this occurs it is desirable to stop operation o-f the` indicators |4 so as to show the exact time during the bout when the knock-out occurred. This is accomplished by the contact |88 which is engaged by a brush |89 secured to the switch arm |14. The brush |89 is in engagement with a grounded segment |99 and in the tenth position o-f kswitch 49 comes in contact with the contact |88 to, apply ground to the operating coil of 'relay |5| yand the operating coil of the relay |44, both of these coils being in series. Upon energization of relay |44, its contacts |46 areopened and the motor 21 is stopped. The contacts |49 of the relay |5| are opened, which removes ground from the signal contacts 68 to prevent operation of the bell. Ground is also removed from the contact |63 of the key |51 preventing energization of the reset coil |19 of the minor switch when the key is released. l i

The relay |39 which as previously mentioned isl in series with the magnet coil 83, is energized during the time that the indicators I4 are returning toward the 0 position. The operation of the relay |39 causes theminor switch-49 to be reset as ground is applied to magnet |19 from the front contact |40 of this relay. The front contact |49 of the relay |39 also appliesground to the operating coil |64 of the'relay |66. Progression of the minor switch 49 is thus arrested automatically in the event that the indicators 'v |39 are energized simultaneously, energizatio-n of the latter preventing operation and resetting -of the minor switch 49. As previously stated, thisis an important feature of the present invention as sounding of the bell clearly shows that the round is ended before the knock-out period of ten seconds expires.

The relay |5| which is in circuit with the contact, 88 makes the warning bell signal inoperative so that if the minor switch reaches itstenth position vbefore the three minutes allotted to the round have elapsed, it is impossible for the bell signal to sound, thus eliminating any possibility of confusion.

To facilitate transportation of the apparatus and to make it more convenient for use, the keys |51, |3| and |43 are preferably mounted on a` stand or cabinet which may be` placed at some point affording a clear View of the arena,

In some instances it may be desirable to provide an audible means for counting` o the seconds during which a lighter is down. Tol this end I have disclosed a loud speaker |92 conveniently mounted on the lower end of the housing |.0` and which is connected to Va phonograph pickup |93 through a suitable amplifier |94. The pickup |93 rests upon a record carried by a phonograph turntable |96 driven from a speed controlled or synchronous motor shown symbolically at |91. The record which is provided for this purpose is :preferably one which will reproduce counting lfrom 1 to 10.l The speed of the motor and/or the intervals between the recorded numbers. on the record are so selected that one second elapses between the reproduction of. each number by the loud speaker |92. f The phonograph `motor and the amplifier are energize! upon depression ofthe key |51 through the previously mentioned switch arms |58' and |59 which cooperate with the contacts |99 and 20| 'respectively.

Figs. 11 and 12 of the drawings disclose a modied embodiment of the invention employing an alternative knockout counting indicator and including in combination additional apparatus for displaying the number of the round. The timing mechanism and apparatus for controlling the preliminary and bell signals is the same as that already described in detail in connection with Fig. l of the drawings and therefore in the description of the apparatus of Figs. 11 and 12 which is to follow only parts which differ from those previously described will receive detailed mention.

The body l0 of the indicator or clock is similar to that previously described and the top thereof ,i forming the housing 24 provides modified indicating faces 2|!) which are visible from all sides of an arena. Lamps 2I| and 2|2 are provided which are adapted to illuminate signs 2|4 and 2 I5 preferably in the form of transparent letters forming the words Round and Countf respectively. rI'he visible annunciator" for both the round number and the knockout count in seconds is composed of monograms 2|6 and 2|1. Lamps are provided for illuminating selected parts of one monogram or the lamps themselves may be exposed in such a manner as to form characters to be displayed. It will be understood that any desired combination of digits for any purpose may be displayed in accordancefwith the invention by providing a required number of monograms 2|1.

Referring to Fig. 12, we have shown the monogram 2H as composed of seven lamps numbered to 'l and arranged to display the numeral 8 in block outline when all are illuminated. The monogram 2 6 in the embodiment shown displays the numeral one and may comprise a single lamp 2|8 as shown, or if desired, a number of separate lamps disposed in alignment. Each lamp of both monograms is mounted in a suitable'socket device 2 9 secured on or adjacent the walls of the housing 2l. If desired, a troughlike reflector for each lamp may be provided to project the light flux forwardly through the face 2|0 of the display sign. A conductor 220 in communication With a suitable current source, for example, the source |28, is connected to one terminal of all they lamps.

The formation of digits is effected by applying current to the particular lamps comprising the character to be displayed. Reference will now be had to Fig. 12 for a description of one manner of controlling the application of current to the lamps. The control of lamps 2|| and 2|2 is effected by a key |51 which performs the functions of the key |5`|`of Fig. 10 but is equipped with additional movable contact arms 22| and 222. The arm 222, which controls illumination of the lamps 2| and 2|2, is grounded and cooperates Ywith a back contact 223 and a front contact 224 so that when the key |51 is in its normal position shown, groundis applied to the contact 223 illuminating the round" sign. Upon depression of the key |51' when a knockdown occurs, the circuit supplyingcurrent to lamp 2| 2 is completed through the contact'224. It will therefore be seen that as the contest proceeds, the round sign will be continuously illuminated until the key |51' depressed when a knockdown occurs, at which time the knockout count sign is illuminated by the lamp 2|2. The arm 22| of the key |5I'is connected to the current source |28 and a front contact 225 adapted to cooperate with said arm is connected to the segment ITI of the minor switch 49 over the conductor226. A back Contact 221 normally in engagement with the arm 22| connects with a segment 22B of an additional minor switch 229, the latter serving at times to control illumination of the monograms 2|6 and 2|'| to display the number of the round. The minor switch 229 is similar in construction to the minor switch 49 already described in detail in connection with Fig. and also shown on Fig. 11.

`The seven lamps to 'l of the monogram 2| 1 and the lamp 2| 8 are controlled by a bank of relays numbered RI to RI 0. Each of these relays is provided with a plurality of movable contact tongues and stationary contacts so that when a given relay is energized, certain of the lamps will be illuminated to iormwthe digit which it is desiredr to display. In the embodiment disclosed by Figs. 1l and 12, a terminal of each of the lamps l to 1 is connected to one of the conductors numbered Ct to C1 in the order named and these conductors are connected to the contact tongues o1 thel several relays in such a manner that, for example, the tongues of relay Rl apply ground to conductors C6 and C1 when the said relay is energized, thereby illuminating lamps 6 and 'I to display the numeral If, however, relay R9 is energized, its six operating contacts will be closed, applying ground to conductors CI and C3 to Cl, illuminating lamps and 3 to 1 to display the numeral 9. This display is indicated on Figs. l1` and 12 of the drawings. However, it will be understood that to produce this display automatically in a manner to be described, key |51'v will be depressed and the minor switch 229 will have advanced beyond its illustrated position.4 In a like manner any of the lamps l to 'I may be illuminated to display a desired character. A display of the numeral 10 is accomplished by lighting the lamp 2| 8 forming the numeral 1 represented by reference char-` acter 2|8. This is accomplished in one instance byA an additional tongue 239 on the relay RIU which is connected to a wire 232, the latter being in communication with one terminal of the lamp 258. To display the numerals 11 and up a relay 232 isprovided, the movable contact 229 of which appliesf'ground to the conductor 234. The manner in which the relay 232 is energized will be pointed out hereinafter.

` From the foregoing it will be seen that the novel Vdisplay system of the invention is such that any arrangement may be provided to energize the relays Rl to RIU in succession and that any number of banks of relays may be provided to accompany any number. of monograms 2|'l whereby any combination of `figures may be displayed. Also, relay 232 may be energized in any suitable manner simultaneously with any one of relays RI to R9. For the specific purpose of round counting in a boxing match, the previously mentioned minor switch 229 is employed to control successive energization of the relays Rl to RIU and the tens relay 232.

The minor switch 229 has a single switch arm 23E provided with a contact brush 238 adapted to cooperate with a series of ten contacts, the tenth being indicated by a reference character 249, and an auxiliary segment 24|. Five additional contacts 242 are provided which are connected in order to the rst five contacts of the Series of contacts 240. The contacts 240 are connected by a cable 243 to relays RI to RID, the first coning signal, contact arm tact oi the series 246 vbeing connected tol'relay RI and the remainder of the contacts being connected to the relays in order. The previously mentioned relay 232 is connected in series between the segments 228 and 24| so that as the brush arm 236 is advanced beyond the end of segment 228, energizing current for relays RI to R5 inclusive will traverse the operating coil of the relay 232, causing its contacts 233 to be closed, thus applying ground to the terminal of l lamp 2I8 by way of the conductor 234. By this simple and eiective arrangement the numerals 11 to 15 will be displayed following display of the numeral 10. The brush arm 236 is stepped in a clockwise direction upon energization of the minor switch operating magnet 244, the said magnet'being included in the circuit which operates the preliminary warning signal. This circuit .described in connection withFig. l10 is reproduced in detail on Fig. 11 and includes contacts 68 and contacts |I2.` As each round is about to begin, the warning signal is sounded, as previously explained, and the brush arm 236 is advanced one step to display the number of the oncoming round. v

Timing of the knockdown indication is controlled as explained in connection with Fig. 10 by the contacts 45 which energize the stepping magnet |69 through the contacts of the` pulse timing relay |66. The series of ten contacts |18' of the minor switch 48 are connected by a cable 246, shown for convenience as a duplicate of the cable 243, to the relays RI to RII] in the same manner as contacts 246 are connected to these relays. As the key |51 is depressed upon occurrence of a knockdown, the circuit completed at the back contact 223 is broken, causing the lamp 2|! to be extinguished and the circuit for illuminating lamp 2 I2 is completed by way of contact 224. The circuit to the segment 228 of the minor switch 229 is broken at the back contact 221 and the circuit including the wire 226 and contact segment |11 of the minor switch 49 is completed at contact 225, thus transferring control of the illumination of monograms 2I6 `and 2 I1 from the minor switch 229 to the minor switch 49. At the same time the contacts of the key |51 which are like those of key |51 place the f turntable |96 and the amplier |94 in operation to give an audible count coinciding with the display of numbers by the monograms. Y

Toreset the minor switch 229 to zero a separate reset button 248'is connected in circuit with the reset magnets 249 and 250. Upon energization of these two magnets, the pawls in engagement with teeth of the arm driving ratchet are withdrawn in the manner already described in connection with magnets |19 and |83.

It is believed that operation of the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 11 will be apparent from 'the foregoing; however, its use in timing avboxing contest will be set forth to aid in a complete understanding of the invention. When the preliminary warning signal sounds in advance of the beginning of the iirst round of the contest, the contact arm 236 of the minor switch 229 is advanced one step energizing relay RI to illuminate lamps 6 and 1 over conductors CI and C2. Upon each successive sounding of the warn- 236 is advanced one step by the magnet v244. When the preliminary warning signal is sounded in preparation for the eleventh round, contact brush-238 engages the eleventh contact which is the iirst contact of the series 242, whereupon .the tens relay 232 is energizedto illuminate the lamp ZIB vdisplaying the numeral to'indicate. that round 11 is about to begin.

' If at any time one of the contestants is knocked down, the official in chargeof the apparatus will 5;

immediately depress key |51. which as previously stated, disconnects contact 'segment 228 and transfers the connection to the segment |11 of minor switch 49. Operating 'coil |69 is energized at `onegsecond intervals Vas previously eX- plained in connection with Fig. 10 advancing the contact army |13 over the series of contacts |18' to energize magnets RI to RIU at one second intervals.V When the contestant rises to his feet following a knockdown, key |51 is released, resetting minor switch 49 and again energizing the contact segment 228. rIfhe lampA 2I2 is extinguished and lamp 2|I is again lighted and the proper round number is displayed in ,accordance with the position of the switch arm 236. If the contestant remains out of the contest after a lapse of ten seconds, the timing apparatus vis stopped as. explained previously; however, the numeral 10 disappears when the key isreleased and the round number last displayed reappears.

Fig. 13 of the drawings discloses a preferred modification kof apparatus in accordance with the invention for providing the audible count in unisonwith the lamps 26 of Fig. 1 or the indication displayed by the monograms 2|6` and 2I1 of Fig. 11. The loud speaker r|92 and the amplifier |94 may be identical with those employed in the apparatus disclosed by Fig. 10. A turntable 252 driven by a` motor 253, the latter being of a constant speed or speed governed type, is provided with a stop member 254 and a contact operating 'projection 256 preferably located in di'erent horizontal planes. The stop or detent 254 is adapted for engagement by a stop 251 secured to an armature 258, the latter upon attraction by a magnet 259 serving to withdraw 251 from engagement with 254, permitting the turntable to rotate. A pair of normally, closed contacts 26| and 262 are positioned in the path of the Vcontact operating member 256" and are opened momentarily upon passage -of the' member 256 'as the turntable rotates. lThe motor 253 is energized from a vsuitable lsource of current 263 and in the event that said motor is of the constant speed alternating current type, operating current will be derived from an alternating current source. A resistance 266 inserted in series with the motor is adapted to be shortcircuited at times 'by contacts 261 of a relay 268. The circuits controlling energization of said relay will. be described hereinafter. A reproducing device or'lpickup 269 is carried by an arm 21| pivotally connected at 212 to va support 213 so as to swing in a vertical plane. The support 213 is mounted upon a suitable bearing, for example the pivot 214, permitting it to swing about a. verticalA axis.` A magnet 216 carried by a horizontal support 211 integral with or secured to the support 213, lserves upon energication to' swing the varm 21| vertically,l thus raising the reproducer 269 from operative engagement with the surface of a recordv 2191l carried bythe turntable 252.l The arm 21| is provided with an adjustable contact operating stud28| which cooperates with a pair of normally openfcontacts 282 to close the same when the reproducing device 269 is raised fromvtlie'record. A magnet armature 284 integral with or secured to the support 213 is positioned in the yeld of an elecmagnet the armature 284 is attracted, causing the support 213 to swing about its vertical'axis and return the arm 21| into engagement with an adjustable stop 281. It is desiredv to point out that the record 219 preferably is provided with a spiral groove 285 laid out in a novel manner so that the initial turn or turns of the'record will move the arm 21| lthrough a larger angle than the angle through which it will move as the reproducer traverses the continuation of the groove 285 carrying 'the sound recording. This wide spacing at the start reduces the possibility of picking up the wrong groove when resetting arm 21| to its initial position and also prevents damage to adjacent grooves bythe dropping of the pickup arm 21| upon the're'cord in restoring arm 21| to its initial position.

The phonograph is placed in operation by a key 289 which comprises contact arms 29| and 292, the last named contact arm being identical in function with the contact arm |59 of key |51 disclosed in Fig. 10. The contact arm 29| when depressed cooperates with a grounded contact 294 to complete afcircuit from a suitable current source |28 to ground through the operating coil of a relay 296, the electromagnet 259 and the operating coil of the relay 268.' The contact tongue 291 of the relay 296, when the latter is deenergized cooperates with a back contact `298 completing a circuit over a conductor 299 including the magnets 286 and the resistance 306 in series. Energizationof thev magnet 286 in this manner insures that in the position of parts shown in Fig. 13, the arm 21| will be maintained against the stop 281, thus eliminating a possible source of error in the count when the key l289 is depressed. An additional resistance 30| may be included in the circuit if desirable or necessary;

The conductor 299 is branched as'indic'ated by numeral 302, the said branch including'in series the contacts 26| and the electromagnet 216, the latter having one terminal connected to the source |28 through a resistance 30| if desired. The relay 296 isv also provided with a front contact 205, which connects with one of the contacts 262. The remaining one of the contacts 262 is connected by a conductor 301 to any point of the conductor which interconnects the key arm 29| and one terminal of the 'relay 296 providing a locking circuit for the relay which is effective in a manner to be described hereinafter. A

With the parts as shown in Fig. 13, the motor 253 will be energized through the resistance 266, causing it to exertless than normal torque thereby holding the stop 254 against the stop' 251. The reproducer 269 will be in engagement with the beginning of the groove 285 on the record 219. The key 289Will .be in its normal or raised position, and the contact 292 will be out of engagement with its cooperating contact thereby disconnecting the amplier and loudspeaker from the reproducing device 269. .Magnets 259, 286, and the operating coil of relay 296 will be deenergized inasmuch as the circuitincluding these devices will be broken at the contact 294.

When, during the course of a boxing contest, a knockdown occurs the key 289 is depressed which connects the amplifier and loud speaker to the reproducing device 269 by means of the contact arm 292 and energizes by means of the arm 29| the operating coil of therelay 296, magnet 259 and the operating coil of relay 268. The armature 258 will be retracted, withdrawing the member 251 out of engagement with the stop member 254 to permit the turntable 252 to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed from above. The resistance 266 will be short-circuited at the contacts 261 of the relay 268 now energized, causing the motor to exert its full torque to bring the turntable to reproducing speed which occurs almost immediately inasmuch as the said motor is constantly energized. The circuit including the contact 298 is opened since relay 296 is energized, resulting in deenergization of the magnet 286 which permits the reproducer 269 to follow the record groove 289 without restraint. 'Ihe arm 21| swings rapidly away from the stop 281 because of the wide pitch of the initial portion of the groove 285. As rotation of the record continues, the loud speaker |92 will announce at one second intervals the numbers from one to ten.

' Assuming that the count is to be stopped before a lapse of ten seconds, key 29| is released, which disconnects the amplier from the repreducing device 269 and opens contacts 29| and 294. However, the relay 296 will still be energized by ground applied from its front contact through contacts 262. The contact operating projection 256 and the stop 254 are so arranged angularly With respect to each other about `the turntable 252 that following opening of the contacts 262, the turntable will make substantially one full revolution before it is arrested by the stop 251. When next the contact operating projection encounters contacts 262 following opening of the key 289, relay 296 will be deenergized along with magnet 259 and the relay 268. Following this the turntable will make substantially one revolution and be caught by the stop 251 which will be accomplished with slight shock as the resistance 266 will be in series with the motor reducing its torque. Upon deenergization of the relay 296 in the manner just stated, a circuit is completed over the conductor 302 from the contact tongue 291 and back contact 298 which includes the contacts 26| and the magnet 216. The magnet 216 now being energized raises the reproducing device 269 from operative engagement With the surface of the record. Also, the magnet 286 will be energized at full strength over `the conductor 299 since the resistance 30| Will be short-circuited upon closing of contacts 282 as the arm 21| tilts in response to the pull of the magnet 216. The arm 21| will be drawn back against the stop 281 and when the turntable completes its revolution following opening of the contacts 262 and is arrested by the stop 251, the contacts 26| will be opened and retained in the open position by the contact operating projection 256. Opening of the contacts 26 deenergizes the magnet 216 and allows the reproducer 269 to again engage the record at the beginning of the groove 285 in readiness for the next audible count. Contacts 282 will open inserting resistance 20| in series with the magnet 286.

From the foregoing complete description of illustrative embodiments and their operation, it will be seen that accurate and reliable timing of a boxing contest or like sporting event is provided by the present invention.

While the invention has been explained and described in detail in connection with a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms and, therefore, the invention is not limited except as indicated by the terms and scope of the appended claims,

- We claim:`r 1 y 1. vIni'game timing apparatus for measuring successive time intervals,.a movable time measuring indicator, means for moving said indicator at a predetermined time measuring speed during one time means for moving said indicator at a different time-*measuring speed during Va succeeding time interval of definite duration.

2. In game timing apparatus for measuring successive time intervals, a movable time measuring indicator, means for moving said indicator at a predetermined time measuringspeedLinVoin-i direction during one time interval of definite duration and meansvior moving said indicator at a different time measuring speed in the opposite direction ,during a succeeding time interval of definite duration.

3. In game timing` apparatus for measuring successive time intervals having a` scale divided to represent one minute intervals,` a movable time measuring indicator, means for moving said indicator in .one direction over said scale during one time interval of three minutes duration, and means for moving said indicator in the opposite direction during a succeeding time interval of one minute duration..

4. In game timing apparatus for measuring successive time intervals having a scale divided to represent one minute intervals, a movable time measuring indicator comprising a flexible member movable over said scale, means for moving said indicator in one direction over said scale during one time interval of three minutes duration, and means for moving said indicator in the opposite direction during a succeeding time interval of one minute duration.

5. 1n game timing apparatus for measuring successive time intervals, an exposed indicating face provided with graduations, an indicator in the form oi a strip of material adapted to move over said face to conceal said graduations from View to indicate lapsed time,'and timing mechanism operatively connected to said indicator to draw the same over said indicating face.

6. In game timing apparatus for measuring successive time intervals, an exposed indicating face provided with graduations representingthree one minute intervals, an indicator in the form of a strip of flexible material secured at one end to a winding roll, means tending to cause said strip to be wound on said roll, the'free end of said strip adapted for movement over said face in cooperation with said graduations to indicate the lapse of a three minute period and timing mechanism operatively connected to said indicator to draw the same over said indicating face at a uniform rate during said three minute period.

'7. A timing clock for an arena comprising a body portion having a plurality of faces disposed l so that said clock is visible to an audience surrounding an arena, graduations on each of said faces, timing mechanism for said clock, indicators movable longitudinally to conceal said graduations from view, one for each of said faces, and means operatively connecting said indicators to said timing mechanism.

8. A timing clock for a boxing contest comprising a bodyportion having a plurality of faces disposed so that the clock is visible to an audience surrounding an arena surmounted by an enlarged housing, indicators on the enclosing walls of said housing for displaying indications representing the progress of a boxing contest, graduations on each of said exposed faces, timing mechanism interval of denite duration and for said jclock, within said housing, longitudinallyv movable indicators, one for each'of said faces, and means. operatively connecting said longitudinally movable indicators to said timing mechanism.

, 9. YInjcornbination with timing mechanism including means for measuring seconds, means for stopping the timing mechanism upon operation oi jsaid'` seconds measuring means continuously forten seconds and manually operable means ior initiating operation oi said rst named means, electric circuits and signalling devices controlled by said circuits, contacts in said circuits, and means controlled by` saidl manually operable means movable by the timing mechanism` for operatingsaidcontacts whereby signals are.` produced uponY operation of said manually operable means.

i0. In combination with timing mechanism,` a

visible indicator, means whereby said timing mechanism imparts movement. to said visible indicator, means for arbitrarily stopping v and starting the timing mechanism and self operating means controlled from said timingk mechanism for periodically reversing the direction of movement ci said'L indicator, electric circuits' and signailing'devicesy controlled by said circuits, -contacts in said circuits, and means movable by the timing mechanism for operating said contacts whereby signals are produced upon reversal of said indicator.

l il. In combination with timing mechanism, a visible indicator, means whereby ysaid timing mechanism imparts movement to said visible ndicator, seli operating means controlled from said timing mechanism for periodically' changing the speed of operation of said first named means, electric circuits and signalling devices controlled by said circuits, contacts in said circuits, and means movable by the timing mechanism for operating said contacts whereby signals are produced at the beginning and end of predetermined periods and whereby another signal is produced at an intermediate point oi time.

l2. In combination with timing mechanismI including means for measuring seconds, a counting device actuated fromsaid means, a manually operable control for initiating operation of said counting device, electric circuits and a signalling device, controlled by said circuits, contacts in said circuits, and means movable by the timing mechansm for operating said contacts whereby said signalling device is operated at the beginning and end of predetermined periods and means responsive to said counting device to prevent operation of said signalling device upon completion of actuation of said counting device for ten consecutive seconds.

13. In timing apparatus for a boxing 'contest,a

timing `mechanism having a time indicator operating at a given time measuring speed for measuring three minute contest periods, and at a different time measuring speed to measure one minute rest periods between-the contest periods,

Ianda motor roperating at a substantially constant speed operatively connected to drive said timing mechanisn'n'an audible signal, and means controlled by said timing mechanism, to operate said signal at the beginning and end of the vthreer minute time intervals whereby to announce the periods measured by the timing mechanism.

14. In timing apparatus for a boxing contest, a timing mechanism havingatimeindicatoroperating at a given time measuring speed for measuring three minute contest periods, and at a different time. measuring speed to measure one minute rest periods between the contest periods, and a motor operating at a substantially constant speed operatively connected to drive said timing mechanism, an audible signal, and means controlled by said timing mechanism to operate said signal in advance of each three minute time interval whereby to give a warning signal before the start of the three minute period.

15. In combination with timing mechanism including means for measuring seconds, a counting device and means interconnecting said measuring means and said counting device to operate the latter, a control device for said interconnecting means adapted for manual operation, means whereby said control device controls operation of said counting device from said measuring means and means to stop said timing mechanism upon operation of said counting device for ten consecutive seconds.

16. In combination with timing mechanism for timing a boxing contest including means for measuring seconds, a counting device actuated from said means, a manually operable control for initiating operation of said counting device, a round sign and a ko count sign, electric circuits and contacts in said circuits for controlling said signs and means associated with said manually operable control for opening the contacts of said round sign and closing the contacts of said ko count sign when said control is operated to initiate operation of said counting device.

17. In combination with timing mechanism including means for measuring seconds, a counting indicator for indicating seconds, means for operatively interconnecting said measuring means and said indicator when a seconds count is desired, an audible counting device for speaking numerals insuccession at one second intervals, independent means for driving said audible counting device in synchronism with said means for measuring seconds, a manually operable control device for said audibly speaking counting device and said interconnecting means, and means whereby said manually operable control l device simultaneously initiates operation of said counting indicator and said independent driving means so that said indicator and said audible counting device will operate synchronously following manual operation of said manually operable control device.

ROBERT STEENECK. 25.

ROBERT F. DIRKES. ROY B. WHITE. 

